The group called for a moratorium on commercial fishing in international waters until more research can be completed on waters that were once covered by ice year-round.

The scientists suggest Arctic countries work together to protect the central Arctic Ocean by:

• developing an international fisheries management accord;

• starting with a catch level of zero until sufficient research can assess the impacts of fisheries on the central Arctic ecosystem; and,

• setting up a management, monitoring, and enforcement system before commercial fishing begins.

NTI said in its news release that it “works and will continue to work with government to develop responsible plans and strategies for the sustainable harvest of fish and wildlife in the Arctic.”

“Commercial fishing in the Arctic, including in international waters, should be based on sustainability, a sound co-management system partnering with Aboriginal Peoples, and preferential consideration to Aboriginal Peoples who are adjacent to these waters and permanent inhabitants in the Arctic,” Eetoolook said.